Sohoton Cove: Swim with Jellyfish & Explore Hidden Lagoons

The star of this trip is Tojoman Lagoon, where you may swim beside harmless jellyfish drifting through clear water. The setting is unusual, photogenic, and gentle enough for families, though the jellyfish can be scarce outside their peak season around July.

I like the mix of quiet lagoons and active stops, especially Magkukuob Cave, where you can jump into the water from the cave opening. I also like the communal boodle lunch on Tikitikan Island, a social Filipino meal of grilled food served over banana leaves.

The catch is the long journey. About four hours of the eight-hour day are spent on road and boat transfers, and the $68 price may feel high if the jellyfish are absent or the sea is rough.

Key points to know before you go

• Tojoman Lagoon jellyfish are seasonal: You may see only a few outside the peak period around July.
• The boat ride takes about two hours each way: Motion sickness prevention is worth considering.
• Magkukuob Cave adds an active element: Cliff jumping is available, but you should only take part if you feel comfortable.
• Hagukan Cave is a visual highlight: Blue water and filtered sunlight give the cave its appeal.
• Lunch is communal: Expect grilled seafood, meats, and vegetables served on banana leaves in a Filipino boodle fight style.
• The $68 cost covers the main extras: Transport, permits, entrance fees, a guide, and lunch are included, but snorkeling gear is not.

Why Sohoton Cove feels different from a standard island trip

Sohoton Cove sits around Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte, reached from the Siargao area by a chain of local transfers and a long boat ride. You are not simply arriving at one beach, taking a photo, and heading back. The day moves through lagoons, caves, open water, and a shared meal.

That variety is the main reason to choose this outing. You get quiet water, limestone cliffs, marine life, and a little physical adventure in one day. I find the caves especially useful for breaking up the long journey, since the trip would feel much slower if every stop involved only swimming and looking at scenery.

Still, you should set your expectations correctly. This is a full-day outing built around access to a remote place. The travel is part of the cost, but it is also part of the work. One recent participant felt that the journey took up too much of the day compared with the activities available. That is a fair concern, particularly if you have limited time in Siargao.

The pickup: tricycle, registration, and the road to Dapa Port

Your morning begins with a local tricycle collecting you from the stated pickup point in Surigao del Norte. Be ready at least 10 minutes early, since the tricycle may not wait long.

The first leg takes about 15 minutes. You then check in at a registration office before continuing by multicab or tuk-tuk toward Dapa Port. This may feel like a slow start, but the registration step helps organize the group and confirm that everyone is accounted for.

Ask the driver to confirm that they are working with the local operator you booked. That simple check can prevent confusion, especially if several vehicles are collecting people around the same time. Keep your confirmation details handy and wait at the pickup point named in your booking information.

From the registration area, the road transfer takes roughly 30 minutes. After that comes the main boat journey, about two hours each way. Bring water, sun protection, and something for motion sickness if you are sensitive to a rolling sea. The route can change slightly when conditions are rough, and safety takes priority over keeping every stop exactly on schedule.

The two-hour boat ride to Bucas Grande Island

The boat transfer is both the price justification and the biggest drawback. You spend around four hours of the day traveling by road and water, leaving about four hours for guided visits and lunch.

On a calm day, the ride gives you time to watch the islands and limestone formations pass by. It also prepares you for the more enclosed settings later in the day. On rough water, though, the journey can feel tiring before the main activities begin.

I would not book this outing immediately after a late night or on a day when you need a relaxed pace. The tour lasts about eight hours, and the boat ride is not a quick shuttle. Pack a waterproof bag for phones and spare clothes, since spray and wet transfers are possible.

Tojoman Lagoon and the reality of jellyfish season

Tojoman Lagoon is the stop that attracts most people. The appeal is simple: you enter the water and look for gentle, non-stinging jellyfish moving through the lagoon.

The experience is best understood as a wildlife encounter, not a guaranteed aquarium visit. Jellyfish numbers change with the season, and the current timing is outside the most reliable period. You may still spot a few, but you should not expect the thick concentration often associated with photos from around July.

That seasonal note matters when judging the price. If swimming with jellyfish is your main reason for booking, confirm the likely conditions before paying. If you are happy with a day of lagoons, caves, and island scenery even without many jellyfish, the trip becomes a safer choice.

Follow the guide’s instructions in the water. Do not touch the animals or chase them, and use reef-safe common sense around the lagoon. Children need adult supervision, and all participants should be in good health and able to swim.

Hagukan Cave and its blue water

Hagukan Cave offers a change from the open lagoon. You enter a darker, enclosed space where sunlight catches the water and creates shades of blue.

The cave is more about atmosphere than a long activity. The guided visit lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time to look around, take photos, and appreciate how the water changes inside the rock. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want pictures, but do not let photography distract you from footing and the guide’s instructions.

Caves can feel awkward for anyone with vertigo. This tour specifically advises against joining if you have vertigo or certain pre-existing medical conditions. That warning is worth taking seriously, since the combination of boats, wet surfaces, enclosed spaces, and height may be uncomfortable for some people.

Magkukuob Cave and the optional cliff jump

Magkukuob Cave is the more active stop. It offers the chance to jump from a cliff into the water below, making it the clearest adrenaline moment of the day.

You do not need to jump to enjoy the cave. If you are unsure, watch first and decide only after seeing the height, landing area, and water conditions. Never treat the jump as an obligation. Your guide can help explain the local setup, but you remain responsible for choosing an activity that suits your comfort and ability.

This stop gives the day useful balance. Tojoman Lagoon is quiet and wildlife-focused, while Magkukuob adds movement and excitement. If your group includes both cautious swimmers and confident adventurers, the stop can work well because people can choose different levels of activity.

Water shoes are a smart addition. The tour information also recommends swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if you want it and if conditions allow its use.

Tikitikan Island and the boodle fight lunch

Lunch on Tikitikan Island is one of the most distinctive parts of the day. Food is placed on banana leaves, and the group eats together in a Filipino boodle fight style.

Expect grilled seafood, meats, and fresh vegetables rather than a formal restaurant meal. The format is casual and communal. You eat with the group, share the spread, and get a taste of a Filipino dining tradition that is as social as it is practical.

The meal has two limits. First, tell the operator about food allergies or dietary needs when booking. Second, portions may feel tight for a large group. A recent group of 23 people found the lunch a little small, so I would carry a modest snack in case you need extra food later in the afternoon.

The setting adds much of the pleasure. After a morning of transfers and water activities, sitting down together on an island gives the day a welcome pause. It also helps the meal feel like part of the place rather than a separate tourist service.

What the scenery and wildlife add to the day

Sohoton Cove is home to marine life, tropical birds, limestone formations, and thick plant growth around the water. You might see tropical fish or birds during the journey and guided stops, though the exact wildlife is not guaranteed.

For photographers, the area offers strong material: pale rock walls, enclosed blue water, open sea views, and the jellyfish lagoon. A drone can produce striking overhead images, but use one only where local rules permit and never at the expense of wildlife or other people’s comfort.

The scenery is strongest when you slow down. The schedule includes several short guided visits, each around 30 minutes, so you should not expect long unstructured time at every location. Listen to the guide, then use the free moments for photos and swimming.

Is $68 a fair price?

At $68 per person, this is not a cheap half-day activity. The value depends on what you are comparing it with and how much you care about reaching Sohoton Cove.

The price includes pickup and drop-off from designated accommodation points, the licensed DOT-accredited English-speaking guide, boat transfers, island and entrance fees, permits, and the boodle lunch. You do not have to negotiate separate boat costs or pay small entry fees throughout the day, which makes budgeting easier.

The weaker value comes from the time spent getting there. A large portion of the day is transportation, and the main attraction, the jellyfish, may be limited outside July. One assessment found the outing too expensive compared with other Siargao excursions, while another described it as fun and well organized. Both views make sense.

I would consider $68 reasonable if Sohoton Cove is high on your list and you want the caves, lagoons, and lunch as a package. I would hesitate if you are booking only for a guaranteed jellyfish swim or if you dislike long boat rides.

Who should book this experience?

This outing suits you if you enjoy a busy day with several types of activity. Families can appreciate the gentle lagoon setting, though children need close adult supervision. Friends may like the mix of swimming, cave visits, cliff jumping, photography, and communal food.

It is also a good fit for confident swimmers who want more than a beach day. You should be prepared for wet clothes, sun, boat movement, and changes caused by weather.

I would avoid it if you are pregnant, have vertigo or a relevant medical condition, or want a slow, easy excursion. It is also not suitable for babies under one year or people over 95 years old. The sea route can be demanding, and the day offers little room for a relaxed timetable.

For a smoother outing, pack:

• Swimwear and a full change of clothes
• Towel and water shoes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Cash for personal needs
• Motion sickness medication or another prevention method
• A waterproof bag for electronics
• Snorkeling gear if you want to use it

Book at least a day ahead if you need to reschedule, since same-day changes are not accepted. Weather can lead to a postponement or cancellation, and rough seas may alter the route.

Should you book Sohoton Cove?

Book it if you want a full day built around unusual natural settings and you accept that the journey is long. The caves, limestone lagoons, communal lunch, and chance of seeing jellyfish make this more memorable than a standard boat-and-beach trip.

Think twice if the jellyfish are your only goal. Outside the peak season around July, sightings may be sparse, and the $68 cost can feel steep when four hours are spent in transit.

My practical advice is to ask about current jellyfish conditions before booking, then decide how much value you place on the rest of the day. If Hagukan Cave, Magkukuob Cave, and the remote island setting sound worthwhile on their own, this is a solid choice. If not, choose a shorter Siargao outing and save your money for another experience.

FAQ

How long does the Sohoton Cove tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including pickup, road transfers, boat travel, guided visits, lunch, and the return journey.

Is swimming with jellyfish guaranteed?

No. Jellyfish numbers vary by season. You may still see some outside the peak period around July, but they are not expected to be as abundant.

What is included in the $68 price?

The price includes accommodation pickup and drop-off from designated points, a licensed DOT-accredited English-speaking guide, the boodle lunch, island and entrance fees, permits, and boat transfers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, cash, and a waterproof bag. Motion sickness prevention is also recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children can join, but adult supervision is required. The activity is not suitable for babies under one year.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours depend on weather and may be rescheduled or canceled in severe conditions. Rough seas can also cause minor route changes for safety.